Central Organization of Trade Unions Kenya
The Central Organization of Trade Unions Kenya (COTU-K) works to protect and improve the rights and welfare of all workers – including people with disabilities.
As the umbrella body of 45 trade union member organisations in Kenya, we support our affiliated trade unions so they can represent their members and defend their rights. We support the education of workers on their labour rights and articulate their views at every level to advocate for better laws and policies.
Our role within the Global Labor Program – Inclusive Futures is to co-lead work with United Disabled Persons of Kenya (UDPK) to build the skills and capacities of jobseekers, workers, employers and trade unions. We will also bring together our three parties with other social partners to review legislation, regulation and policies in relation to women and men with disabilities and their labour rights.
We're involved in the consortium because…
Protecting rights
"...on behalf of our trade union members we advocate for the rights of all workers to equal employment opportunities and decent work without discrimination. Decent work is a social justice issue because it leads to economic and personal empowerment."
Strong alliances
"...our alliances with government, the private sector, regional and international trade unions, and the International Labour Organization (ILO) will support the impact we can have as part of the Global Labor Program – Inclusive Futures."
Education
"...we support the education of workers and jobseekers through skills training, growth and development and raising awareness about their labour rights."
Find out more about COTU's work
Visit cotu-kenya.orgOur People
Lucy Odwar: “Women with disabilities face many challenges”
Lucy is a director in the department of gender, social services and disability inclusion in Homabay County government. Through her work as part of the Homabay County Disability Forum, she supports the Global Labor Program – Inclusive Futures.
Simon Brown: “Our primary focus is on protecting the rights of people with disability in employment”
Simon Brown was global technical lead for economic empowerment at Sightsavers until August 2024.
Essy Olang: “We need to ensure that the voices of women with and without disabilities are heard”
Essy Olang is a project officer for Kenya Female Advisory Organization working on the Global Labor Program – Inclusive Futures.
